by Silas Boahene | Jul 18, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Other Sports
Tahiru Haruna, representing the National Para Powerlifting Federation of Ghana, has qualified to compete in the Para Powerlifting bodyweight category at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.
Haruna will compete in the Men’s up to 107 kg category.
He expressed his gratitude to Mr. Samson Deen, President of the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) Ghana and Africa, for his encouragement and motivation, which played a crucial role in his qualification.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 18, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Europe, Ghana, International
Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah, President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), has attributed the failure of Ghanaian boxers to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games to a lack of discipline. Despite the GOC’s support for the Black Bombers in their qualification attempts in Senegal, Italy, and Thailand, the boxers were unable to secure a spot.
In an interview with Kwabena Yeboah, President of the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG), on GTV Sports+, Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah shared his insights on why the boxers fell short after Samuel Takyi’s impressive performance at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
“I think it has to do with the discipline of our boxers. If it were us, these young boys, kept in camp somewhere, checking on their discipline, their behavior, and their schedule, I am sure we would have made a lot of difference,” he stated.
He continued, “These are guys coming from a community like Bukom, and there is a lot of vibrancy you always want to show up in every evening in one spot or another, so despite all the vigorous training they had during the day, I haven’t been too comfortable with the kind of life they have.”
Mr. Nunoo Mensah emphasized the need for better monitoring of the boxers’ behavior outside training sessions, particularly for those from the Bukom community. He believes that without this oversight, challenges will persist in their performance.
Many boxing experts and media professionals have advocated for residential training camps for the boxers. However, due to financial constraints, the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) was unable to implement this strategy.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 18, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Europe, Ghana, International, Other Sports
Strasbourg, France – In a heartwarming display of national pride and solidarity, the Ghanaian Friendship Association of Strasbourg visited Team Ghana’s athletes and officials to support their preparations for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics. This event, held on [insert date], emphasized the strong ties between the Ghanaian diaspora in Strasbourg and their national sports representatives.
Led by the association’s president, Dr. Priscilla Korankye, the delegation included key members and supporters who were warmly welcomed by Team Ghana at their training facility at the CREPS center. The visit was designed to provide moral support, encouragement, and a sense of community to the athletes as they gear up for this global sporting event.
The athletes expressed their deep appreciation for the visit, noting the significant boost in morale and motivation from knowing their fellow Ghanaians abroad are cheering them on. Officials also praised the association for its steadfast support and the positive impact of such initiatives.
Dr. Priscilla Korankye stated, “Our visit is a testament to the strong bond between Ghanaians in Strasbourg and our national athletes. We believe in their potential and are here to show that they have our full support as they prepare for the Paris 2024 Olympics.”
Team Ghana’s official captain, Joseph Paul Amoah, thanked the Ghanaian community for their encouragement. “The support from the Ghanaian Friendship Association means a lot to us. It inspires our athletes to push their limits and aim for greatness.”
The visit from the Ghanaian Friendship Association of Strasbourg was a significant morale booster for Team Ghana, highlighting the importance of community support in their journey to the Paris 2024 Olympics. This initiative exemplifies the unity and national pride that will undoubtedly propel the athletes to strive for excellence on the global stage.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 16, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Former Ghana forward Charles Taylor has sparked debate by suggesting only a handful of Ghanaian coaches possess the strong leadership qualities he admires in Spain’s manager, Luis de la Fuente.
De la Fuente, who recently guided Spain to their fourth European Championship title, is known for his decisiveness and uncompromising nature. Taylor believes these traits are crucial and often missing among Ghanaian coaches.
According to Taylor, only four Ghanaian coaches exhibit these characteristics: Yaw Preko (Nsoatreman), Laryea Kingston (former Ghana U-17 coach), Karim Zito (Dreams FC), and Maxwell Konadu (Black Leopards).
He criticized the current state of Ghanaian scouting and player development, suggesting that a lack of boldness from coaches leads to missed opportunities. Taylor highlighted the transition of players like Samuel Inkoom, Andre Ayew, and Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu to the senior team under a foreign coach, arguing that a Ghanaian coach might have hesitated due to fear of criticism.
“There are many talents like Lamine Yamal (17 years old) in Ghana, but who is scouting them?” Taylor said on Angel TV. He notably excluded Black Stars head coach Otto Addo from his list, stating he sees Addo more as a scout than a coach, and even suggested that Black Queens’ coach Nora Hauptle is “bolder” than Addo.
Taylor’s comments are sure to stir discussion in Ghanaian football circles, raising questions about coaching styles and player development in the country.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 16, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
President Akufo-Addo has praised Kennedy Agyepong, known as Kenpong, for his ambitious partnership with French football club Bastia.
On Monday, July 15, 2024, President Akufo-Addo welcomed Bastia’s Technical Director Eric Joel and Kenpong to the Jubilee House in Accra. The visit was part of a collaborative program between Bastia and the Kenpong Football Academy.
President Akufo-Addo lauded the efforts of both parties, highlighting the potential benefits of the partnership for the academy. He assured them of the government’s support through the Ministry of Youth and Sports, describing Kenpong as a significant figure in Ghanaian and international football.
Kenpong, president of Kenpong Football Academy, expressed his gratitude to President Akufo-Addo for his encouragement. The Bastia Technical Director is also scheduled to visit former President JA Kuffour, patron of Kenpong Football Academy. The delegation visited the academy in Winneba last Sunday.
